The College of Law and Management Studies celebrated the graduation of School of Chemistry and Physics School Operations Manager, Ms Antoinette Botha, with a Master of Commerce in Leadership Studies.
For Botha, pursuing this qualification expanded her knowledge of leadership. As a manager, her job is to give direction and focus on the day-to-day to ensure the work gets done, but as a leader, she needs to inspire, actively listen, empower, be innovative, communicate, and proactively strategise.
‘I have been with UKZN for 20 years and recently moved from being the Operations Manager for the School of Clinical Medicine at the College of Health Science to the same position at the School of Chemistry and Physics at the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science. As a Manager, I lead a big team of professional services staff. This qualification has also taught me a great deal about change management, knowledge management, strategy, teamwork and self-awareness. To be a good leader, you need to know and understand yourself. In so doing, you learn how to support and lead your subordinates,’ she said.
Perceptions Regarding Implementation of College Model Reorganisation in the University of KwaZulu-Natal College of Health Sciences was the title of Botha’s study supervised by Professor Cecile Proches on the University’s College Model Reorganisation.
‘The findings revealed a number of insights and challenges that were experienced by middle managers (deans, college and school managers, directors, and academic leaders) within the University in implementing and embedding the change. The University is currently undergoing review for future change and these findings and recommendations can hopefully assist in navigating these change events better.’
With hopes of pursuing a PhD, Botha says obtaining her masters has whetted her appetite for research.
‘I have enjoyed the research arena as it has also helped me to understand the research process within the University better so I can provide better support to postgraduate students and academics. I presented my research at the UKZN Business Resource Unit International Conference on Business Resilience, Continuity and Regeneration in March and my supervisor and I are currently busy with a paper submission to a journal.’
Words: Thandiwe Jumo
Photograph: Abhi Indrarajan